Joe Outlaw

Joe Outlaw is a Regents Fellow and Professor of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, serving as co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC). He holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M. His expertise spans crop production economics, agricultural policy analysis, decision support systems, global dynamics, and sustainability. Outlaw advises U.S. policymakers on farm programs, risk management, and climate legislation, focusing on policy impacts on agricultural operations. He has received the 2015 National Excellence in Extension Award for leadership in policy education.

Research interests include farm policy evaluation, climate change mitigation, and renewable energy. Recent work examines the Inflation Reduction Act’s implications for agricultural producers and the economic effects of higher input prices. Outlaw collaborates with congressional staff and stakeholders to design evidence-based policies. His AFPC leadership drives data-driven analyses for federal and state agricultural policies.

Notable contributions include analyses of the Farm Bill, crop insurance reforms, and drought relief. He emphasizes translating complex policy issues into actionable insights for farmers and policymakers. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability.